The anesthesiologist vs. CRNA debate ends here.

This website defines the essence of physician care in the field of anesthesiology. Want to know what separates an anesthesiologist from an anesthetist? Check out the link. Plus, it lists tips on what to ask and what to bring for your upcoming surgery.

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Published by Kris

Grew up in a small Texas town. Heavily involved in extracurricular activities: piano, violin, dance (ballet/jazz/tap), tennis, horseback riding (english/western), taekwondo, basketball, soccer, volleyball, percussion, drumline, orchestra, band, mascot, pageants. I had the typical Tiger Mom upbringing. Went to college, medical school, residency, and fellowship. Amidst the ups and downs of life, allow me to share with you my journey...as an "ordinary" person who happens to be an MD.
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2 comments on “The anesthesiologist vs. CRNA debate ends here.”

Seriously? You should research the “facts” before suggesting an article that is full of inaccurate information. I mean it’s really not that hard to get the history and education requirements of the CRNA profession, Google much?? You are going to have to do a lot more than that to end the Anesthesiologist vs. CRNA debate…

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. This website presents the facts. If you think the New York Times piece on CRNAs being equal to an anesthesiologist is correct, that’s your opinion. Anesthesiologists have created the field of anesthesia to be safer, which has allowed non-physicians to participate in the care of patients. I’m not belittling your role; I just believe everyone needs to know their role in a health care team. I agree with one of my colleagues who states that an anesthesia care team is similar to a flight team. There is a captain who flies the plane, a navigator or co-pilot who assists, and flight attendants who make the passengers comfortable. An anesthesiologist is similar to the captain, one who takes charge with adequate knowledge to guide the patient through various scenarios. A CRNA is similar to a co-pilot — which 90% of the time can be on auto-pilot without many problems. However, when the problems occur, the CRNA calls an MD to assist in the situation — something that takes knowledge and experience.

So, this website isn’t meant to putdown or belittle CRNAs… It is meant to inform the public that anesthesiologists are trained and experienced in handling difficult and emergency situations. If I had to decide who would take care of my family, I would suggest an anesthesiologist — but, that’s just me… and like I said, everyone is entitled to an opinion.

I appreciate you telling me about Google and how to use it. You saved me from looking it up on Wikipedia. Appreciate your two cents. Next time, save your money.